Striving for the Kingdom

Day 11: February 27^th Wednesday

Scripture: Luke 12:22-34

"He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

In this passage from Luke Jesus instructs his disciples not to worry.  This is more easily said than done!  Have you ever seen a bumper sticker that said, “Don’t worry. Pray!” That is what we are going to do today.

An old Quaker way of praying is called “Holding Them in the Light.”

We will try this way of praying today.  Think of a situation you are worrying about.  Think of a person you worry about.

“Hold” that person or situation in your hands as you pray. Literally hold your hands as if you were holding them in the palm of your hand. Feel like you are surrounding him or her or the situation with God’s steadfast love and blessing. Let different people and problems come into your hands.  Pray for them all.

Ask God if there is anything you can do beyond your prayer. 

Maybe send a note of encouragement?  Maybe ask some to lunch? 

Whatever God reveals to you to do—do it!

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.